Guv: Goa govt to eliminate open defecation; ensure housing for all

Goa Governor Mridula Sinha in her address to the Legislative Assembly, on Thursday outlined the future plans of the Manohar Parrikar-led BJP government which includes housing for all and a open defecation-free state by October 2, 2019.

Poor sanitation further weakens the economic wherewithal of a poor household. 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' aims to ensure health and sanitation, particularly for the poor," Governor said in her address at the budget session amid protests by Congress legislators in the House. "My government is committed to eliminate open defecation in Goa by October 2, 2019, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi which is one of the key aims of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan movement launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi two years ago," Sinha said.

Congress legislators registered their protest during the Governor's address alleging that she had not invited them to form the government despite emerging as single largest party in the recently held Goa Assembly polls.